‘Hurt sentiments around the world’: MEA shares strong reaction after Lord Vishnu statue demolished at Thailand-Cambodia border

MEA has reacted strongly to the demolition of a statue of Lord Vishnu at the Thailand-Cambodia border.

Thailand-Cambodia border dispute: In a significant global development, New Delhi has reacted to the demolition of a statue of Lord Vishnu at the Thailand-Cambodia border. Saying that such “disrespectful” acts hurt sentiments of followers around the world, the Ministry of External Affairs of India urged both Thailand and Cambodia to resolve their border dispute through dialogue and diplomacy. Here are all the details you need to know about what the Ministry of External has said on the demolition of a statue of Lord Vishnu at the Thailand-Cambodia border.

What India said on demolition of Hindu religious deity statue at border?

“We have seen reports on the demolition of a statue of a Hindu religious deity, built in recent times, and located in an area affected by the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border dispute,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

“Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered and worshipped by people across the region, as part of our shared civilizational heritage,” Randhir Jaiswal said while he was responding to a media query on the issue.

India urges for dialogue and diplomacy

“Notwithstanding territorial claims, such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world, and should not take place. We once again urge the two sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy, to resume peace and avoid any further loss of lives, and damage to property and heritage,” Jaiswal added.

About Thailand-Cambodia border conflict

For a background, the border clashes between the two Southeast Asian countries erupted in July. After days of violence between the two Asian countries, both agreed on a ceasefire in July that was brokered by US President Donald Trump. However, the fight broke out again this month and the Lord Vishnu at the Thailand-Cambodia border was demolished as a part of the conflict.

(With inputs from agencies)